Paxton’s candidates for selectman, in their own words

Vice president of sales and marketing (Unisource Management Corp., Brockton); married to Leslie; children Caleb and Samuel. Previous civic experience: Former volunteer firefighter.

Describe the most important issue facing Paxton town government in the coming five months, and how you would address it.

“The most important issue facing Paxton town government in the next five months will be preparing the town budget for fiscal 2011, which begins July 1. We are in the midst of a tough economic situation that according to the Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation is likely to last at least through the next two fiscal years. This means that there will be tough decisions to be made while working on the town budget.

“The selectmen will have to work with every department to determine the services which are absolutely necessary and where cuts can be made. There are taxpayers in Paxton who have lost jobs or have seen income reduced and are not in a position to add to their tax burden. Creative solutions will need to be an important element of the budget process. Proper planning and fiscal responsibility can help Paxton position itself for the future.”

Detail what separates you from the other candidates for selectman, and why voters should choose you.

“I have the knowledge and experience necessary to navigate Paxton through these difficult economic times. As a vice president in the private sector, I have had to work closely with my colleagues to make our company’s budget more efficient in every area. The public solution has been to go to the taxpayer, and the time has come to be fiscally responsible without breaking the banks of our residents. My business experience will provide me the necessary background to move Paxton to fiscal efficiency. My 45 years’ experience of living in our community will enable me to work with others to make the tough decisions necessary to produce a balanced budget and provide Paxton residents with the necessary services they have come to expect. These next five months will require a new selectman to have a combination of business skills and town knowledge, both of which I bring to the selectman’s position.” Henry LaBombard 63, of Pleasant Street Retired; married to Judith; children Sandra Bergma and Kevin LaBombard. Previous civic experience: none.

Describe the most important issue facing Paxton town government in the coming five months, and how you would address it.

“The most important issues facing Paxton in the next several months will be budgetary. It will be important to listen to all the concerns of the people of Paxton when it comes to their financial well being. While I have no civic experience, I have watched several selectmen’ meetings and have come to the conclusion that it is of the utmost importance for the selectmen of Paxton to make a concerted effort to communicate not only with the citizen, but with each other. There will be disagreement between selectmen, but it must be remembered that their main concern should be placed on serving the people’s interests and agenda.”

Detail what separates you from the other candidates for selectman, and why voters should choose you.

“Rather than try to differentiate myself from the other candidates, I will let the people make that determination on Jan. 19. My 40-year career at the Telegram & Gazette included work as night production foreman, day production supervisor and layout manager. I was also the printing coordinator for all products of the Telegram & Gazette. During the 1980s I was elected to the position of union president of Local 29 of the Graphic Communication International Union. In this capacity I was involved in the negotiations of several labor contracts. This position also required me to chair all meetings and committees.

“I have been married for 40 years, and my wife and I raised two children. My wife and I have lived in Paxton for 10 years. Our children and grandchildren reside in Paxton. I have an interest in social and budgetary issues that can affect each age group in Paxton.” Anthony Luzzo 30, of Nanigian Road

Describe the most important issue facing Paxton town government in the coming five months, and how you would address it.

“I believe the most important issue facing Paxton town government over the coming five months will be the Chapter 40B proposal for the Muir Meadow housing development. The Massachusetts Housing Agency is in the process of reviewing the proposal for the 150-unit housing complex, of which 38 will be deemed affordable, to be located at 203 Pleasant St. It is my opinion that this type of large-scale development will place a crippling burden on an already taxed school system with the influx of additional schoolaged children. Other issues would include increased strain on municipal services as well as additional traffic problems on a roadway which currently experiences heavy volume and delay on a daily basis. If elected, I would address the problem by putting forth a compelling argument, to the appropriate authority, ensuring that all potential effects are known and properly addressed prior to final approval.”

Detail what separates you from the other candidates for selectman, and why voters should choose you.

“My background and experience is what separates me from the other candidates for selectman. As a lifelong resident of Paxton, I am keenly aware of the various changes the town has undergone over the years, as well as the various concerns that many townspeople have. At 30 years old, I am representative of the majority demographic of current Paxton residents, so the concerns of the majority are my concerns, as well. My experience as an attorney, working with various town and city officials, has provided me with the necessary skills and capabilities of effectively performing the duties of a selectman. In addition, I believe that my background in finance and law will prove to be an asset which sets me apart from the other candidates by ensuring a strong analytical approach to the various issues that are placed before the Board of Selectmen.”